Hi my name is samo and I am a transgender artist activist and owner of Playdead gallery in Southsea.I began my transition over two years ago even though the majority of my life I have lived as non-binary.I am in need of surgery (double mastectomy) so I can live my life as my true self. Although I have been extremely patient and have been on the nhs waiting list for a couple of years already. Delays and timings with this long process have not been on my side. Now the physical implications that wearing a binder to strap down my chest is taking its toll not just on my physical body (brusing/lung problems/ribs) but also on my mental health and body dysmorphia.

I own a gallery and studio in Southsea and put on exhibitions for artists and the community. It has became my life and passion and I know my community feel the same.However I fear that iIwill not be able to maintain this with all of my ongoing health issues which are becoming inrceasingly worse. I want to be able to carry on working hard and bringing art and people together. so now I am asking for help.

I could potentially have surgery this year if I can raise enough money. I have a consultion in London in March too see how soon this can happen. The price can be anywhere bettween 10-12 thousand and I will not able able to work for around 6 weeks after.I so desperately want to be free from my binder the dysmorphia and pain this causes me daily. I want to be able to live as my true self and continue my work in the community.

if there are any left over funds for whatever reason I will be using that to help others in the same situation. I am currently setting up a local trans group working alongside a mental health charity were we can create a safe place and awarness of transgender issues.

thank you so much for taking the time to read this and be part of my journey.Samo